WhatsApp automatically downloads photos, video and other documents or media to your Android phone. Here’s how to stop it.
WhatsApp is a great free messaging tool when you’re using Wi-Fi, but if you’re using mobile data its tendency to automatically download photos and media can be a pain. And it’s not just the hit it can place on your data allowance that can be frustrating — if you’re also low on storage you probably don’t want it automatically downloading every photo and video you are sent.
Below we’ll explain how you can access and change WhatsApps auto-download options in Android. If you’re using the iPhone version of WhatsApp, see our separate guide.
WhatsApp has always offered an option to prevent automatic download of photos and video, but it’s not in the same place it was once.
To access these options now open the messaging app, tap the three dots at the top right, then choose Settings, Data Usage.
Now you should see those familiar options under Media auto-download: When using mobile data; When connected on Wi-Fi; and When roaming.
Tap on each of these options in turn and check or uncheck the boxes beside Photos, Audio, Videos and Documents. When you’re happy press OK.
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